Insurers' carnival games help local families

A blindfolded employee feels his way toward the wall, hoping to pin the tail on the donkey. Mark Ashton. (click for larger version)

September 23, 2012

STURBRIDGE — Employees of the MiddleOak insurance companies spent a day away from their desks and offices last week to toss rings, throw darts, and hit the target on the dunk tank to help stock the shelves of Tri-Community food pantries.

The insurance company workers from Middletown, Conn., and Salem, Mass., gathered Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Publick House for their annual "Picnic with a Purpose" — and to fill 200 meal bags with their "carnival winnings."

"Our employees look forward to this day every year," said Suzanne Wilson, senior vice president of Human Resources at MiddleOak. "Over the years, our annual Picnic with a Purpose has turned into a fun way to bring our employees together to develop team-building skills and put that work to good use for the community."

For more on this story, please see tomorrow's Southbridge Evening News.